Hillsdale grad earns WMU honor

HILLSDALE — As a young girl, Hillsdale native Kaitlin Klingler had one dream to someday go into space.

“I haven’t given up on that dream,” said Klinger, a senior at Western Michigan University (WMU).

In addition to that dream of someday going to space, she has always had a fascination with airplanes.

So it came to no surprise to her parents, Eric and Sandy Klingler, when she told them she wanted to become a pilot. After graduation from Hillsdale High School in 2008, she entered the aviation sciences program at WMU.

She was hooked after her first flight with her fellow classmate, Ben Hastings. For her 18th birthday her parents gave her an hour of flight time.

Since then she has earned enough hours to get her pilot’s license, becoming a member of the Sky Broncs Precision Flight Team at WMU.

Klingler was recently awarded one of the university’s highest honors as a Presidential Scholar for Aviation Sciences.

“I was surprised,” she said.

She said she was tipped off to the honor after one of her instructors asked her if she had received any good news in her email.

“It was pretty cool to find out that way,” said Klingler.

During her sophomore year, she added aviation maintenance technology to her major, because of her love for the inner working of aircraft. She holds a commercial pilot airplane single- and multi-engine land certificate, with instrument airplane rating. She plans to pursue airframe and powerplant mechanic certification.

After graduation this weekend, Klingler said she will begin her search for a job in the aviation field. She is anticipating have to start out in maintenance while she continues to add flight time to her resume.

Her dream job would be able to fly internationally as a corporate pilot.

Klingler is currently an assistant coach with the Sky Broncs, who will be participating in anational competition in May at Ohio State University. She was captain of the computer accuracy event for two years.

In June, Klingler was honored with the Jeffrey A. Haney Award by the team. The award is in memory of U.S. Air Force Capt. Jeffrey A. Haney, a Sky Broncos alumnus who helped lead the team to a national championship in 2002. The award is presented each year to the individual who leads through dedication, inspiration and integrity.

One of her greatest memories of her time with the team was flying back to Michigan solo after the 2012 national competition. Although the team didn’t win, she said the friendships she has made will last a lifetime.

She said she would definitely recommend anyone interested in a career in aviation to pursue their dream.“It is hard work, but it worth it,” Klingler said. “I hope to own my own plane someday and would love to be able to maintain it myself.”

Klingler also is a student member of the College of Aviation’s Safety Committee and has served as secretary of the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association-WMU Chapter and as the maintenance liaison of the Aviation Student Council at WMU.

A Girl Scout, she received the organization’s highest honor in 2008, the Girl Scout Gold Award.